Tom Cotton surges ahead

We’re happy to report that our friend Tom Cotton has taken the lead in polling of the Republican primary in Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District. The latest survey of likely primary voters, taken by Talk Business-Hendrix College, shows Tom with 51 percent of the vote, compared to 33 percent for Beth Anne Rankin, his main opponent. Rankin was the Republican nominee in 2010, before redistricting made the seat more favorable for Republicans.

The election is only a week and a day away. Thus, as Jay Barth of the Hendrix College political science department says, “the newcomer shows himself to be in a strong position.” Talk Business executive editor Roby Brock adds:

Cotton has been building momentum in this race for several weeks. A counter by Rankin is the big question mark to see if she can nab enough undecided votes and perhaps flip soft supporters of Cotton or John Cowart into her camp. I still think there is some fluidity to this campaign with a week to go, but Cotton is certainly in an advantageous position to either lead the ticket or win outright.

When the campaign began, Tom was not known in the Fourth District. Thus, the key was always to introduce himself to voters; after that, his exemplary record (including tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan) and his command of the issues would do the rest.

Tom was able to introduce himself in part through an aggressive media campaign. That campaign required resources. Power Line thanks its readers for helping Tom obtain them.